The World: India and Pakistan: Over the Edge

DARKNESS had just fallen in New Delhi when the air-raid sirens began
wailing. In the big conference room at the Indian government's press
information bureau, newsmen had gathered for a routine 6 o'clock
briefing on the military situation in East Pakistan. "Suddenly the
lights went out," cabled TIME Correspondent James Shepherd, "and
everyone presumed it was yet another test, though none had been
announced. When the briefing team arrived, newsmen complained that they
couldn't see to write anything."

"Gentlemen," said the briefing officer, "I have to tell you that this is
not a...